In response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Indposhiv has created a War in Ukraine series of silk pocket squares. Featuring original and vibrant drawings from children affected by the conflict, as well as one illustration in muted colours with a final farewell theme, by the Odessa based artist Tina Tikhonenko.

SKY POCKET SQUARE
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PLANES POCKET SQUARE

THE PATHS WE DID NOT CHOOSE POCKET SQUARE

BEATING NOT BROKEN POCKET SQUARE

ONE DREAM FOR TWO POCKET SQUARE

All donations from the sales go to support Ukraine’s Armed Forces and humanitarian charities for Ukrainians affected by the conflict via the charitable foundation Come Back Alive . 

Kateryna Vozianova, the founder of Indposhiv, established her brand and atelier in 2009 at the same time Cad & The Dandy set up shop in London. Her brand has grown from strength to strength, establishing her business as a leader in luxury and bespoke clothing in Ukraine.

Seeing a great synergy and similarity with our story, we are immensely proud of our partnership with Indoshiv and we will be stocking the pocket squares in all of our stores, alongside the original prints, all available for sale.

Individual pocket squares cost £65, 100% of which goes to Charity.  
Shop War in Ukraine Pocket Squares

MORE ABOUT INDPOSHIV

Based in Kyiv, Ukrainian entrepreneur Kateryna Vozianova is the founder of two bespoke clothing brands Indposhiv and Heroism. Ukraine had very few mens ateliers before Kateryna entered the market in 2009, but none had focused solely on the culture and craft of bespoke, which became Kateryna’s goal.

Indposhiv started out tailoring suits for Kateryna’s husband and friends. Applying her many years of marketing expertise, gained from her earlier career at global brand Gillette, Indposhiv’s clientele steadily grew. 

Attracting a loyal following of high profile clients, all paid tribute to the quality and service provided by their tailoring workshop where they employ 70 tailors in the heart of Kyiv. Today, some of Indposhiv’s most prominent clients include Ukraine’s President, Mr Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Ukraine’s Prime Minister, Denys Shmygal, and Hollywood star, Jean-Claude Van Damme.

With the outbreak of Covid-19, in 2020, the challenge of maintaining production resulted in further expansion into the domestic market. Thus the bespoke brand Heroism was founded to provide outstanding women’s tailoring services in Ukraine, to match the men’s services available at Indposhiv. This launch resulted in 2 years of the most rapid growth in the group’s history.

In the 13 years since launching Indposhiv, Kateryna has become a well-known business woman in Ukraine, with a strong personal profile. She regularly shares her expertise at high profile business events, across inspirational YouTube channels and on a variety of podcasts. She is married with 2 young children and still lives in the centre of Kyiv with her two young children and her husband, an investment banker and military reservist awaiting call-up.

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Featuring our premium cloth facemasks, the Robb Report rounds up 34 of the most stylish face masks available, helping you to stop the spread of Covid-19 and look great while doing it.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE.

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The Journey Shirt – 5 Ways
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Gathering the building blocks of a contemporary bespoke wardrobe, we’re starting the year with a focus on the classic white pocket square. This is the pocket square for which there are no rules, working with every suit jacket, blazer and tie combination, in any colour.

Pocket Square Fabrics

Silk, linen and cotton (below, left to right) are the most common choices for a plain white pocket square, each with distinctive properties, mainly focused on weight and texture.

Known for its luxurious texture and feel, silk is also the perfect material for reflecting light. The luminous qualities of silk will add visual interest to any outfit. Silk pocket squares also have soft edges making them ideal for unstructured pocket square folds. This combined with their light weight means they won’t bulge in your pocket.

Plain white linen is another popular plain white pocket square choice, especially in summer. With stiffer edges than its silk counterpart, a white linen pocket square makes a better choice for more structured pocket square folds while its central suppleness also allows for unstructured fold options. Linen’s distinctive texture will also add contrast when worn with complementary suit, blazer and jacket cloths.

A plain white cotton pocket square leans more toward the handkerchief but is not to be dismissed entirely. Versatile, lightweight and easy to care for, cotton is also the least expensive option of the three. It has less distinctive properties than linen and silk so will not carry a fold in the same way or have the same textural impact to an outfit.

Pocket Square Edges

With a plain white pocket square every detail counts, making hand rolled edges a must for any discerning dresser – the highest standard of pocket square edging available.

Using this method means the raw pocket square edges are rolled over then stitched by hand. They also have mitered corners resulting in a less bulky gathering of material at the pocket square edges. This soft finish makes the pocket square naturally more malleable, allowing for a better drape, fold and puff.

Machine stitched pocket square edges are more rigid, with corner fabric that will have been folded multiple times. This creates excess bulk all round resulting in an unsightly look which and is less versatile in wear.

Pocket Square Folds

Once you’ve chosen the white pocket square that’s right for you, all that remains is to decide on the all important pocket square fold. There are many options which can be narrowed down initially by matching the fold to the occasion.

For formal events, the flat or presidential fold is the classic pocket square fold. Popular in the 50s and 60s, this is the look you’ll have seen on the likes of Don Draper and James Bond, and is still worn today as much it was then. Every other occasion presents the opportunity to experiment with more flamboyant folds – not to be missed!

There are plenty of pocket square folding websites and videos to be found online but the ubiquitous puff fold is the simplest. Pinch the centre of your pocket square then fold or twist and pop it into your pocket, corners down into the pocket with the puff visible at the top.

In Summation

The plain white pocket square is a classic wardrobe accessory – a staple of the contemporary gent’s sartorial armoury. Clearly, selecting the right material, finishing touches and fold does require some attention to detail but having an informed view, as well some fun with each occasion and ensemble makes it all worthwhile. As we know, the devil is in the detail.

Shop White Silk Pocket Square
Shop White Linen Pocket Square
Shop Handkerchiefs

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An added bonus in the style stakes for winter is the opportunity to sport a good quality men’s scarf. Creating depth and interest to your overall look, a scarf is one of the easiest accessories for men to wear, affording panache, warmth and an element of protection, as standard.

A good quality men’s scarf is typically made from wool, cashmere, angora, cotton, linen, silk or a combination of any two. Weave is an important consideration as bulky scarves, made from thick yarns, require simple knots and are not as practical. Lightweight scarves are by far the most adaptable – you can’t go wrong with wool or cashmere – making them ideal for all but the hottest months of the year.

When it comes to the basics of men’s scarf buying you need to consider size, material, colour and design. For us, the ideal scarf should be somewhere between 16 – 30cm in width and 100 -150cm in length. These dimensions give enough surface area for the scarf to look its best, as well as allowing for a variety of knotting and tying options.

To maximise wearability, it’s best to avoid lurid brights and noisy patterns, leaning instead toward soft, subtle palettes of clarets, blues and greys. Layering with country tweed suits, navy blue or charcoal business suits and bespoke overcoats will add an easy element of style and flair.

Whatever the season, chosen at the right weight, scarves do an excellent job, adding much needed warmth to the neck on cold winters days as well as the bonus of offering protection from the sun on warmer days. Our collection of lightweight, finely woven wool scarves have been designed with all the seasons in mind, combining a classic palette with stylish yet subtle designs.

SHOP OUR SCARF COLLECTION

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Our Savile Row shop will be hosting a trunk show on the 4th & 5th of May 2017 for this UK based shoe brand. J.FitzPatrick footwear takes the idea of harmonising the characteristic traits of English, Italian and French footwear.

The J.FitzPatrick brand was born from the simple idea of seeing men across the world wearing better shoes. The foundation of their designs is to incorporate British classicism, Italian comfort and French flair into each of their shoes. Launched by Justin FitzPatrick in 2013, author of The Shoe Snob Blog, J.FitzPatrick footwear takes pride in providing a Goodyear Welted shoe with Hand-grade features at a Bench-grade price.

The vision of the J.FitzPatrick collection is to represent the core idea of ‘classic with a modern twist.’ However, they also hold a strong view on the importance of value for money, striving to make sure each customer receives the best product possible and highest level of customer service.

Alongside a 10% discount over these two days on their ready to wear shoes, J.Fitzpatrick will showcase their excellent made to order service for those wanting to create something unique for a wedding or special occasion. Their range of shoe care products and shoe accessories will also be available, tying in with their brand statement of wanting to ‘Inspire and educate people on the importance of wearing quality shoes and maintaining them’. With their in-house shoe specialists on hand to give advice on style, colour, fit and aftercare this is an occasion not to be missed.

To find out more information about this event or to book a consultation with the team, please call Savile Row on +44 (0)20 7434 4344 / The City on +44 (0)202 7283 1975 or email savilerow@cadandthedandy.co.uk.

www.jfitzpatrickfootwear.com

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A Shoe for Every Occasion
Style Guide : Socks
Style Guide : Ties – Making the Right Choice

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A pocket square, a handkerchief, a hank, a flourish; call them what you will, their status in the modern gentleman’s wardrobe is assured.

Some have worn a pocket square for years, influenced by the artistry of grand old stars of the silver screen like Clark Gable and Fred Astaire, who were rarely photographed without one. They are generally quite useless, as few gentlemen would hand a prized silk square to a tearful lady obscured by mascara, although they can be used as a secondary lens or screen wipe.

So, although not strictly functional, a pocket square is aesthetically brilliant. When you begin to wear them, they look and feel odd. You will find yourself fiddling with them, straightening them, puffing them, overtly conscious of their presence in your top suit pocket; this period is awkward and slightly inelegant but it is simply one of the uncomfortable ‘initiations’ men are required to bear.

After becoming accustomed to this decoration, your pockets (and those of others), will look naked without it. You will graduate from the freshman plain white to sophomoric patterns like polka dots and unusual colours like burnt orange leading you to pursue, continually, the extraordinary; unusual checks and paisley are clear signs of a pocket square veteran.

Seasonal Combinations

The really pocket-conscious gentleman will not only cleverly match or tastefully contrast a pocket square to the rest of his ensemble but will also dress his pocket according to the season. A dark plum silk worn with a birdseye navy suit is a classic autumn/winter combination, whereas a light pink silk worn with a khaki cotton suit is distinctly summertime.

Pastel colours are perfect for wearing with lighter suits as they do not ‘interrupt’ the suit too vividly. For the same reason, deeper tones are preferred with darker suits. If wearing a darker jacket in summertime, perhaps with an odd pair of linen trousers, it might be an idea to match a lighter square to the trousers or the shirt.

The Material Issue

Everyone thinks of silk when they think of pocket squares, despite the fact that most of the hanks stuffed in pockets of old were plain white cotton. Silk is certainly a beautiful fabric; perfect for stuffing and the lustrous qualities for catching the eye. However, considering the plethora of silk ties and ‘suits of a certain sheen’, adding another shiny bauble to an ensemble is often excessive. A lovely cotton or linen square, stuffed or folded into the top pocket, is the perfect foil; the importance of texture difference is one of the most underrated considerations of a gentleman’s attire.

By Winston Chesterfield

Browse our Pocket Square Collection

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Style Guide – Why a Knitted Tie
Style Guide – Belt and Braces
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Walking umbrellas have a history dating back to ancient civilisations when parasols were carried by slaves and servants to shade their well-to-do masters from the blaze of the sun. With the passage of time, parasols became a purely feminine accessory, used to protect delicate skin from the sun and clothes from damage caused by the rain. Until, in the late 1800s, Jonas Hanway, an English traveller and philanthropist, fed up with suffering the effects of the rain, was said to be the first Londoner to carry an umbrella.

Initially ridiculed, his peers soon saw the wisdom of Jonas’ ways and followed suit, adopting the umbrella not just as an essential wet weather item but also as an elegant accessory in its own right. Thus the walking umbrella became synonymous with the British gentleman and, due to our reliably soggy weather, continues to be one of his most indispensable companions.

There is something truly elegant about a man carrying a full size walking umbrella and the modern gent knows it is a vital part of any self respecting wardrobe. Making an investment in a quality umbrella not only raises your style game but should also be a trusty wet weather companion, built to last.

At Cad & The Dandy we stock a colourful range of traditional full size walking umbrellas. While most men will opt for a navy blue or black, it’s wise to consider how our colour choice can add impact to your overall look and style. Selecting a brighter or more unusual shade will add flair to any well thought out ensemble and highlight your individuality.

Doubling up as a walking stick, our well-crafted gentleman’s walking umbrellas are hard to beat, with their solid maple wood hook handles, metal cuffs and slim black frames. Their wide canopies and deep domes give excellent dry coverage but it is against the wind that these umbrellas truly excel. The construction of the canopy, frame and shaft all combine to prevent them from blowing inside out in high winds. Essential on those blustery wet days, of which we have so many.

Our full size walking umbrellas are not only practical tools for protection from the elements, but also serve to enhance one’s business or formal attire with flair, individuality and a rakish charm.

The post Why a Gentleman’s Walking Umbrella? appeared first on Cad & The Dandy.

The history of braces is tightly attached to the history of trousers, if you forgive the pun. Back in the eighteenth century, men in the western world mainly wore breeches and braces evolved as a practical solution to hold them up.

In the late 1800s, the sweeping effects of the French Revolution meant breeches and elaborate trimmings in clothing were linked to the “ancien régime”. Subsequently, male dress became far more practical, less embellished and with an emphasis on quality and fit – the latter achieved mainly via the skill of London’s tailors and their finely honed expertise.

It was at this time that the modern practice of dandyism first appeared in both London and Paris, changing the history of braces for good. Snug fitting clothes became the hallmark of the dandy, none more famous than George “Beau” Brummell.

From 1900 to the 1930s, the fit of men’s trousers became far looser as bought trousers were only roughly sized to fit. Wearing second–hand trousers was also common at this time and since men’s trousers had no fitted waists or belt loops, braces were the universal method used to ensure a satisfactory fit.

The introduction of the first self-supporting trouser waistband in the 1930s, by Alex Simpson (son of Simeon Simpson, the founder of DAKS and Simpson’s of Piccadilly), was to have severe repercussions on the necessity of wearing braces. With the fit of men’s trousers now much improved, it looked like the long and triumphant reign of braces was over.

However, remarkably, this proved not to be the case. Braces began to be worn as a statement piece, defining a certain look or style by some groups in society. Most notably, the skinheads of the 1960s and 1970s wore braces as an integral part of their “street look” (along with their shaved heads, drainpipe jeans, granddad shirts and Doc Marten boots).

Taking on a new lease of life in the late 1980s, red braces became synonymous with the financial sector after the film “Wall Street” was released in 1987, further embellishing the rich history of braces. The film’s main characters, Gordon Gekko (played by Michael Douglas) and Bud Fox both sported red braces when echoing their mantra that “greed was good”. Adopted by many financial workers of the day, this red braces association with the City still prevails and saw sales in this shade declining after the global banking crisis of 2007.

Braces remained a staple of the elderly gents’ wardrobe throughout the years but we have seen a definite upsurge in interest from younger clients more recently. With contemporary dandyism at the fore, and its considered dressers demand for individuality, quality and style, braces are enjoying a much deserved revival.

If you are already a history of braces connoisseur, you will know there are none better than Albert Thurston. Making and selling braces since 1820, Albert Thurston received an Honourable Mention at The Great Exhibition of 1851 for the excellent standard of their products. Still the last word in quality gentlemen’s accessories, their braces continue to be worn by royalty, celebrity and those in the know who are considered dressers with an eye for detail.

From workday staples to our specially commissioned limited edition collections, we stock a full range of Albert Thurston braces, selected with our customers in mind. ‘X’ backed with tabbed leather ends, these braces are button fastening, ensuring a secure and reliable method of holding up your trousers.

Our collection mainly consists of Boxcloth braces in a variety of colours. Boxcloth being the ultimate fabric for keeping out the cold in the 19th century. Still woven in Yorkshire today, the cloth is finished by being shrunk to half its original width. This tightens the cloth, allowing it to be used for making this ultimate classic brace. Another benefit of boxcloth means the length of the ends can simply be cut to fit.

Finished with soft leather ends and either gilt or nickel fittings, our collection also incorporates limited edition tweed braces and silk moire dress braces. Whatever your look and whichever you choose, donning a pair of Albert Thurston braces is guaranteed to set you apart from the crowd.

Browse our full range of braces here.

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For the well dressed gent, the importance of selecting the right men’s socks is not to be underestimated. While some simply buy all their socks in the same colour – eliminating the need to search for a matching pair every morning – others will rifle through a jumble of mismatching odd socks in order to locate the first conveniently available pair. Neither is the ideal approach. A well dressed man can easily be identified by his choice of sock and the consideration with which it has been selected.

At Cad & The Dandy we take the traditional approach to wearing socks, which is to match them to your trousers. This doesn’t need to be an exact colour match but using your trouser as a starting point, you can experiment with shades that are slightly lighter or darker. The benefit of this is to give the illusion of elongating the leg as well as helping to define your shoes. Men’s socks can also be worn to compliment an accent colour in the cloth of your trouser.

This rule of thumb mainly applies to solid colours but patterned socks can also be worn as long as one of the colours within the pattern is a close match. If opting for a patterned sock with a patterned trouser cloth (tweed, check, etc) always consider the scale of both patterns and contrast accordingly – along with and any other accessories in your ensemble. Avoid matching all your accessories but it’s wise to consider an overall harmony in your selection – stick to a theme with an overriding accent colour or shade.

Here are a few basic trouser to men’s socks shade guidelines ;

Black and dark navy trousers/suits – black, grey and darker blue
Grey trousers/suits – darker shades of green and darker shades of blue
Blue trousers/suits – purple, deep reds, darker shades mustard and darker shades or pink
Tweed trouser/suits – darker reds, olive and moss greens, mustards, tans and lighter oranges.

And a quick note on the novelty men’s socks – there is never, ever a reason to wear these. Ever.

More –

Shop our full Men’s Socks range on the website.
Why a Knitted Tie?
Style Guide : Belt & Braces

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As versatility in neckwear goes, the knitted tie holds its own throughout the year. Flexible enough to keep you looking smart in your sharpest suit whilst also raising your game in the casual wear stakes.

With a history dating back to 1950s American Ivy League style, the knitted tie has been worn by heavy-weight style icons from Sean Connery’s 007 to David Beckham. The squared off bottom and a soft knitted texture immediately distinguishes the knitted tie from the more traditional appearance of woven ties with pointed blades.

Our advice is to avoid anything too wide or too skinny in the blade department and stick with a classic, medium width 2½”. Start your collection with solid colours that enhance the three dimensional qualities of the weave, then choose your colours according to the season – lighter and brighter for spring and summer, deeper and darker for autumn and winter.

In our opinion, the knitted tie is the most useful item of neckwear in any modern gent’s wardrobe, gaining in popularity for an effortless ability to remain understated whilst continuing to shine in the style stakes. The knitted tie also has the added bonus of not creasing, making it a great choice for many of our clients who travel often for both work and pleasure.

More –

Style Guide Ties: Making the Right Choice
Shop our full tie collection

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